New Resident Guide
Welcome to Nevada!
Everything you need to know about getting your Nevada driver license and registering
your vehicle. Complete the process quickly and easily with our step-by-step guide
Nevada Residency Requirements for a Driver License
General Requirements
To obtain a Nevada driver license, you must:
- Live at a Nevada street address (no P.O. Boxes).
- Not hold a driver license or ID card from another state.
You are considered a Nevada resident if you:
- Declare Nevada as your legal residence.
- Live and work (or run a business) in Nevada.
- Use Nevada as the home state for your vehicle(s).
- Claim Nevada residency to access state-specific benefits.
- Contact the DMV for personalized guidance
Who Is Not Required to Transfer a License?
- An active duty military member, spouse, or dependent.
- Living in Nevada temporarily.
- Out-of-state students
Licenses are not issued to visitors. Foreign nationals may or may not be eligible for a license or a driver authorization card depending on their specific immigration status. Contact us for details and see Residency and Proof of Identity.
Requirements for a Typical Transfer
Eligibility Requirements
See what documents are accepted here.
- Proof of Identity (one document) and
- Proof of All Name Changes (if applicable) and
- Proof of Social Security Number (one document) and
- Two Proofs of Nevada Residential Address (e.g., utility bill, lease) and
- Your Existing State-Issued License, Permit or ID Card and
- DMV Approved Translation(s) for any non-English documents
Veteran Designation
Present DD-214 or evidence of honorable discharge.
Motorcycle Endorsement
Nevada transfers most licenses or endorsements from other states.
Trailer Endorsement
Class C drivers need a special endorsement to tow multiple trailers or trailers over 10,000 lbs. Extra testing required.
Organ Donation
Proof of Identity & Residency
Types of License/ID
Knowledge Test Required If:
- License expired/surrendered for more than 1 year (skills test if >4 years)
- 3+ moving violations in past 4 years
- License suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified in past 4 years
- DUI conviction within past 7 years
- License restrictions requiring reevaluation
- Applying for different license class
Test Exemption (Age 21+)
Valid U.S., U.S. territory, or Canadian license holders may be exempt from knowledge and skills tests if none of the conditions below apply.
Never licensed or foreign country license holders
Must take knowledge and skills tests. All applications checked through Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS).
Registration Options
- Nevada Title (unless held by lienholder)
- You don’t need to surrender your out-of-state title, but if it’s lost, you’ll need to request a duplicate from your previous state before selling the vehicle.
- Specialty License Plates
- Personalized, charitable, veteran, classic vehicle plates available. See Specialty plate options.
What to Bring
- Nevada Evidence of Insurance
(Out-of-state insurance is not accepted) - Nevada Emissions Vehicle Inspection Report (if
required)
Check Emissions Requirements - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection
- Current Registration
- Current Odometer Reading
- Out-of-State License Plates
- Application
for Vehicle Registration (VP 222)
(If a third party registers the vehicle on behalf of the owner)
Major DMV Offices
Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Reno: Drive to VIN
inspection station outside main building first.
Complete your VIN inspections in advance of your DMV
appointment.
Rural DMV Offices:
Follow posted signs. If no station is available, the inspection is done during registration.
Alternative Locations
- May also be completed by a sworn law enforcement officer, if they have the capacity or availability, or
- An authorized business using
License/ID Fees
Fees vary by age and type of card.
$41.25
$17.25
+$5.00
$25.00
Important:
Fees vary by age and type of card. See complete fee schedule for ID
cards,
commercial licenses, and other variations.
All fees are subject to change.
Payment accepted: Cash, checks (exact amount), money orders, Visa,
MasterCard, and Discover.
See Driver’s
License Fees
Notify Your Former State!
Several states require former residents to return license plates or face fines. Ensure your move is fully documented to avoid penalties.
Tax Exemption Eligibility
County Assessor can approve Governmental Services Tax exemptions for qualifying individuals.
Veteran Exemptions
- Veterans (contact County Assessors)
- Disabled veterans
- Surviving spouses
- Blind individuals
Active Duty Military
- Non-Nevada residents stationed in Nevada may qualify for a Governmental Services Tax exemption.
- Spouses are also eligible. See Military Licensing for information and forms.
Native American Tribal Members
- Must reside on tribal lands
- Must submit a VP 154 form signed by the Tribal Chairperson
Important:
No tax exemptions based on age or vehicle size/value. Present tax exemption statement from County Assessor when registering.
Other Vehicle Types
Trailers
Exempt from: Insurance, odometer, and emissions requirements
Register for 1 or 3 years
Towable tools don't need registration unless width exceeds 70 inches
If your former state does not register and/or title trailers, contact us.
Motorcycles
Registered and insured same as cars/trucks
Mopeds
Mopeds ≤ 50cc: Must be registered. No insurance or Class M license required.
Mopeds > 50cc: Treated as motorcycles.
Off-Highway Vehicles
ATVs, snowmobiles, non-street-legal motorcycles
Boats
Water vessels: Nevada Division of Wildlife
Boat trailers: Registered by DMV
Mobile Homes & LSVs
Manufactured/Mobile Homes: Special requirements
Golf Carts/LSVs: See regulations for street use
Your DMV Visit – What to Know
Find a DMV Office
Our technicians process non-commercial driver's license and registration transactions at the same time in a single visit. See DMV Offices to find a location near you and make an appointment.
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Before You Go
- Make sure you have all required documents (proof of identity, existing license, vehicle registration, Nevada insurance, smog check, current odometer reading, etc.)
- Bring your existing license plates into the office with you. We do not have tools for you to use.
- Metropolitan offices: Arrive early to complete your VIN inspection or complete multiple VIN inspections in advance.
- If your license/registration will expire before your appointment, print the confirmation email and carry it to present to law enforcement.
Rural Offices
- Urban residents should avoid rural offices—they may be turned away if capacity is full.
- Urban residents should avoid rural offices—they may be turned away if capacity is full.
CDL & Motor Carriers
- Commercial drivers must use a CDL Office.
- Vehicles 26,001+ pounds registered through Motor Carrier Division. Fleets of 10+ vehicles have special registration.
Track Your License
All licenses are mailed. Track your card through a MyDMV account after applying. Sign up using the interim document issued at the DMV office.
Create MyDMV AccountMore Information
Nevada Teen Driving
Nevada has specific rules and requirements for teen drivers to help ensure safe driving habits
Check Teen Requirements
Adult 18+ Drivers License
Follow four simple steps: pass the written test, take your road test, and get licensed.
Adult 18+ Requirements
Disabled Parking
The DMV issues handicapped license plates for cars and motorcycles, placards, motorcycle stickers and Expedited Service Permits.
Disabled Parking Info